Skills
About
Larry Brinker Jr. is an award-winning entrepreneur, impact investor, and mentor. He serves as Chief Executive Officer of Brinker, a group of family-owned and operated commercial construction service companies responsible for over $4 billion in construction projects, which plays a critical role in the transformation and revitalization of Detroit. Recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40 and Detroit Business Magazine’s 30 In Their 30’s, Brinker Jr.’s success has earned him the Next Generation Entrepreneur Award from the National Business League in 2017, the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2018, and a subsequent position as a national judge for the annual award. He received the University of Michigan Alumni Merit Award in 2022. In addition to his leadership in the construction services industry, Brinker Jr. is a mission-driven investor aspiring to impact the community through entrepreneurial development programs, philanthropy, and technology. In 2021 he co-founded Capsa Money, Inc., a banking model providing the underbanked with better access to essential financial services. He is also an early investor in the Air Company, a carbon technology company combating climate change by transforming CO2 emissions into products like sanitizers, vodka, fragrances, and jet fuel. On the philanthropic side, Brinker Jr. has established multiple scholarships, including a COVID-19 Legacy Survivor Scholarship fund.

Larry Brinker Jr.
Published content

expert panel
To bring out the best in their remote teams, managers must adapt their leadership styles to meet each employee’s unique needs, preferences, and work habits. Flexibility is essential to effective leadership, especially in remote and hybrid work environments. But flexibility doesn’t mean being hands-off or vague—it means knowing your people well enough to lead them intentionally, based on who they are and how they thrive. To that end, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members offer advice on how today’s managers can adapt their leadership approach to meet the needs of remote team members. From customizing communication styles to co-creating expectations, these strategies offer practical guidance for leading with empathy, clarity, and results.

expert panel
Your first big interview with the press can feel intimidating, but the right preparation can turn it into a defining moment for you as a brand leader. Whether it’s a podcast, panel, or live social media event, stepping into the spotlight for the first time as a brand leader can feel like walking into a conversation where everyone else already knows the script. But with the right preparation, these moments can become powerful opportunities to share your story, connect with your audience, and elevate your company’s message. From refining your talking points to embracing authenticity and learning to handle tough questions, small adjustments can make a big impact. To help you feel confident and prepared, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share their best advice for first-time brand leaders getting ready for a media interview or public appearance.

expert panel
A successful product launch doesn't happen overnight. Take the time to get it right. In today's fast-moving world, it takes a spark of creativity to develop a unique product or service that will have a profound impact in the marketplace. But without a clear vision and structured path to take an idea from inception to execution, it won't make it across the finish line. However, breaking down the innovation process into manageable stages can help companies systematically develop solutions that address real-world pain points and create true value for every stakeholder involved. Here, 15 leading experts from Fast Company Executive Board each list the common mistakes some companies make when trying to innovate, and why these practices should be avoided.

expert panel
Want to build stronger, more enduring client and customer relationships? Start by leading with the values that make people want to work with you—not just buy from you. Strong client and customer relationships are critical to business growth, retention and reputation—but they don’t happen by chance. They’re built over time through consistent leadership, clear communication and a deep commitment to the partnership. For leaders, that means modeling the behaviors and principles that earn trust and foster long-term connections. To help you foster strong, lasting relationships with your clients and customers, the members of Fast Company Executive Board discuss the leadership principles that guide each and every interaction.

expert panel
Apply these strategies to balance risks and stability and fortify your team's resilience. Leaders are often tested to their limits in today's rapidly evolving work environment and uncertain economic conditions. However, when challenges do arise, those are the moments when resilient leadership is the most important to inspire teams and ensure organizational survival and confidence. This will positively impact the company's long-term success. Below, 18 leading experts from Fast Company Executive Board weigh in on how to best cultivate resilience in leaders and the teams they manage, no matter what the marketplace looks like today or tomorrow.

expert panel
Here's how to master daily leadership responsibilities without burning out. What does an effective leader look like? Oftentimes, what comes to mind is an individual who can successfully balance daily workflow, foster positive team relations, and handle an unforeseen crisis calmly and collectively. But strong leaders have another secret ingredient up their sleeves. They realize how important it is to manage their most valuable resources: time and energy. As a leader, being intentional about where to invest your focus can significantly enhance your productivity. Below, 20 Fast Company Executive Board members share their insights on other tried and true habits every successful executive should practice regularly.
Company details
BRINKER
Company bio
Brinker Group is made up of L.S. Brinker, Brinker Team Construction, City Carpet and Flooring, Universal Glass and Metals, and Edgewood Electric. All share the Brinker values of strong communication, unconditional support and strength of community. Five individual companies that together are uniquely positioned to offer more. With over 30 years of transforming our company and our home City of Detroit, we continue to grow our capabilities and pave the way for smaller diverse companies to stand on their own. From developing the downtown and designing urban areas, to constructing new spaces and renovating historical buildings, we’re able to take on projects of all scopes and complexities and we’ve had great results.